Consumer Safety

These Crocs bite

September 24, 2007

Looks like gators aren't the only threat to South Floridians' safety. Now comes word we have to watch out for Crocs, too. Only these aren't the swimming, slithering kind. They're the soft-soled footwear kind.

The problem is, they're also the kind with the little ankle strap that's gotten caught in escalators. It sounds like a joke, but the family of J.T. Salvato isn't laughing. The South Florida 4-year-old nearly had three toes severed when the strap on his orange Crocs got stuck in an escalator at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Airport officials are considering putting up warning signs. J.T.'s mom thinks Crocs should come with their own warning. Here's a better idea: People need to take matters into their own hands - and be careful. Whether it's a hanging strap or an untied shoe lace, accidents can happen. Common sense, and caution, are your best defense.